Hinge’s Relationship Type Feature Explained

Hinge’s ‘Relationship Type’ Feature: Bridging the Gap for Modern Daters

Dating culture has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Today, conversations around monogamy, non-monogamy, and the fluidity of relationship preferences are increasingly mainstream. Responding to these evolving norms, Hinge, one of the leading dating platforms, introduced its ‘relationship type’ feature, aiming to empower users by letting them openly express their romantic intentions and relationship structures right on their profiles.

The Rise of Non-Monogamy and Diverse Relationship Models

For many, the idea of a relationship has expanded far beyond the confines of traditional monogamy. Modern dating increasingly embraces forms such as ethical non-monogamy (ENM), polyamory, and other customizable relationship templates. Hinge’s new feature reflects this societal shift, allowing users to indicate if they are:

• Monogamous — seeking exclusive romantic partnership.
• Non-monogamous — open to multiple romantic or sexual connections, often consensually and ethically.
• Figuring out my relationship type — still exploring or uncertain about their best fit.

This open-ended framework was introduced to minimize mismatches, foster honest communication, and create safer spaces for everyone—especially for those whose relationship interests break with tradition.

What Does ‘Relationship Type’ Mean?

Understanding one’s relationship type has become essential as dating app profiles get more nuanced. According to relationship experts, ethical non-monogamy (ENM) refers to engaging in romantic or sexual relationships outside of a primary partnership, always with consent. ENM models can include:

• Having a primary partner but being romantically/sexually involved with others.
• Partners dating separately or as a couple with others.
• Forms like polyamory, open relationships, or ‘monogamish’ arrangements.

Crucial to these models is explicit, mutual agreement: what matters is not merely non-exclusivity, but consent and ethical practice.

Who Uses the Feature? Data & Demographics

According to Hinge’s own statistics, a majority of users still seek monogamous relationships. However, approximately 15% of Gen Z and LGBTQ+ users on the app are actively exploring non-monogamy or admit to being unsure about what relationship structure suits them best.

These numbers signal cultural openness, especially among younger generations. The feature’s launch is designed to empower those users, providing language and visibility they might have struggled to find on mainstream dating platforms.

How Does Hinge’s Relationship Type Feature Work?

Introducing the new feature, Hinge made the process simple and transparent. Here’s how users can utilize it to match their dating goals:

• Visit profile settings on Hinge.
• Locate the ‘relationship type’ prompt under the ‘virtues’ tab.
• Choose one of the following options:
  • Monogamous
  • Non-monogamous
  • Figuring out my relationship type
• Optionally, use the ‘backstory’ open-text field to elaborate and provide context—e.g., “I have a primary partner, but I’m looking to casually see other people,” or “I’m open to exploring non-monogamy.”

Importantly, adding your relationship type is optional. Those who choose to include this information will find it displayed in the ‘Virtues’ section of their profile, instantly signaling their intentions to potential matches.

Why Is This Update Important?

While there are niche apps catering exclusively to non-monogamy (such as Feeld and #Open), Hinge’s mainstream status means wider reach and more accessible matching. Many non-monogamous users have previously struggled with the “dating pool feeling tiny” and having to awkwardly clarify intentions through prompts or backstories.

• This update brings visibility and legitimacy to non-monogamous relationship choices on a mainstream platform.
• It makes matching more efficient by filtering out mismatched intentions early.
• It helps normalize conversations around ENM, open relationships, and questioning relationship models across all demographics.

User Experience: From Awkwardness to Openness

Before this launch, users often repurposed unrelated profile prompts to signal their non-monogamous status. This led to confusion, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. Now, users can directly state their preferences, ensuring clarity even before the first message is exchanged.

The Diversity of Relationship Labels Explained

Hinge’s love and connection expert, Moe Ari Brown, underscores that these labels represent just a handful of relationship types, and their meanings can shift depending on personal context or community norms.

Impact on LGBTQ+ and Gen Z Daters

Historically, mainstream dating apps have pushed conventional dating narratives, which didn’t always serve LGBTQ+ or questioning users. With 15% of LGBTQ+ and Gen Z daters exploring or unsure about non-monogamy, this feature reflects a larger generational shift. Younger users increasingly value intentionality, openness, and flexibility in relationships.

By providing tailored settings for exploring identity and relationship structure, Hinge is making dating more inclusive and supportive for diverse communities.

Comparison Table: Hinge vs Specialized Non-Monogamy Dating Apps

While specialized apps offer granular control, Hinge’s update means more users—including those in non-monogamous spaces—can access a larger dating pool without sacrificing clarity or safety.

Challenges & Opportunities for Non-Monogamous Daters

Even with this progress, some non-monogamous users still face hurdles, such as:

• Smaller dating pool: Despite more visibility, finding like-minded partners remains challenging.
• Misunderstanding of ENM: Many daters still don’t distinguish ethical non-monogamy from “casual dating” or cheating.
• Stigma: There can be residual prejudice against non-traditional relationships.

However, by making these preferences explicit on a mainstream app, Hinge helps to chip away at stigma, encourage nuanced understanding, and foster better matches.

Tips for Using ‘Relationship Type’ on Hinge Effectively

• Be Honest and Detailed: Use the ‘backstory’ field to describe your relationship history, intentions, and boundaries.
• Engage in Conversation: Don’t be afraid to follow up with matches about relationship styles and expectations.
• Review Other Profile Sections: Many users supplement the relationship type with ‘Dating Intentions’—such as long-term, short-term, or life partner goals.
• Filter Your Matches: Always set filters for relationship type and intentions to avoid incompatible connections.

How Does This Fit Into the Evolution of Online Dating?

Online dating was once a monolithic space with very little room for non-conventional approaches. Hinge’s update reflects the increasing demand for intentional and personalized dating experiences. By allowing daters to showcase how they love—and want to be loved—the process is more efficient, honest, and supportive of authentic connections.

• Intentional dating is prioritized by letting users declare their goals up front.
• Safer spaces are created by validating identities and relationship structures.
• Greater match accuracy saves time and emotional labor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Hinge’s ‘relationship type’ feature?

A: It’s an in-profile selection where users specify if they’re seeking monogamy, non-monogamy, or are still deciding, with an option to provide deeper context through a backstory.

Q: Why is this feature important for non-monogamous daters?

A: It reduces confusion, increases match accuracy, and normalizes open, ethical discussions of “different relationship structures” in mainstream dating spaces.

Q: Can monogamous users still use Hinge as before?

A: Yes, the feature is optional; monogamous users’ experience remains unchanged unless they choose to specify or filter by relationship type.

Q: Is data privacy protected with these new profile fields?

A: Yes, as always, users control the information displayed. Specifying relationship type is voluntary, and data policies remain consistent with standard privacy measures.

Q: How do I change or update my relationship type on Hinge?

A: Navigate to your profile settings, locate ‘relationship type’ under the virtues tab, and update your selection. You can use the ‘backstory’ area anytime for further elaboration.

Bottom Line: Opening Doors to Authentic Connections

Hinge’s ‘relationship type’ feature stands as a testament to the app’s commitment to intentional, honest, and inclusive dating. It reflects the steadily changing attitudes about what modern relationships can look like, especially for non-monogamous and questioning users.

• Encourages upfront communication about relationship desires.
• Minimizes mismatched connections by providing tailored filters and profile options.
• Fosters safer online spaces for diverse identities and relationship models.

As dating norms continue to evolve, the tools we use should reflect—and support—that diversity. With this update, Hinge is leading the charge toward a more open, supportive, and authentic dating landscape for everyone.